By: Lisa Patrick
Frances Metzman’s latest book, ‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil,’ has been making waves since its launch, so much so that it hit the bestseller list upon release. It’s a gripping psychological thriller that has riveted readers worldwide. Celia and Marcy, a pair of accidental sleuths of a certain age, find themselves in the nightmarish world of human trafficking, having been kidnapped and forced to work as madams for the traffickers. Despite the odds stacked against them, they refuse to give in – and escape. Rather than heading back to their retirement home, they decide to fight back against their oppressors and help free those still in their grip.
Metzman’s powerful storytelling skills make this story a must-read. Through Celia and Marcy’s harrowing journey, she sheds light on the grim reality of modern-day human trafficking, urging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths lurking beneath society’s surface. ‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil’ takes readers into a dangerous world where justice isn’t just a concept—it’s a matter of life and death.
Recently, we caught up with Metzman to learn more about her, her work, and what is coming next from this groundbreaking author.
The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil’ is an extraordinary read that not only entertains readers but sheds light on the issue of human trafficking. What drew you so profoundly to delve into the world of human trafficking for this book?
A while ago, I came upon information about the worldwide criminal enterprise of human trafficking. A high percentage of this organized crime involved sex trafficking, where children (many very young) and young women were duped, enticed, kidnapped, or wooed into the dehumanizing web. Upon writing articles, researching, and doing interviews I came to realize that most people thought it only happened in foreign countries. But the USA is a big importer/exporter of sex slaves. Global cartels, cooperate and tattoo the women to identify who owns them. I wondered why the women didn’t try to escape or call for help. It became clear that their captors threatened to murder their families and friends in their countries of origin. Also, they are told if they went to the police, they’d be arrested as prostitutes and deported. The silence of the women who sacrifice their own well-being to protect loved ones makes them heroes to me.
The title of your new bestselling book is very intriguing, how did you come up with it?
It is actually a standalone sequel to an earlier book, ‘The Cha Cha Babes of Pelican Way.’ Whatever the premise of my novels, they are all character-forward. In the present novel, two baby boomer women, living in a comfy Florida gated community, met at a cha cha lesson.
Though uniquely different, they have much in common; curious, enthusiastic, devoted friends, non-judgemental, and eager for elderly romance. They don’t elect to become amateur sleuths but accidentally walk into serious crimes and mayhem by being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Shaken from their protected, little world, they are forced to devise ways to solve crimes — serial murders, white-collar crimes, and human trafficking. Using their smarts. They become empowered despite many missteps. So, I find titles from what happens to them. In this novel, ‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil,‘ their love of dancing and the evil criminals they come up against inspired the title.
What was it like for you as an author and a human when you were doing your research on Human Trafficking for this book?
I often turned away for periods of time, but it haunted me. The prisoners are transported all over the world by plane, trucks, trains, and shipping containers. The containers are especially savage since humans are packed in with little air, light, food, and sanitary conditions. It is a horror story.
You are also a much-loved and respected writing teacher. What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
Learn the elements of fictional techniques. It is complex but will help make your work seamless. Writing from the heart is wonderful, but without a foundation, you may run amok. Techniques give a foundation and offer brakes for control. It curbs rambling and leads your reader into the world you created. You want them to relate to the characters, and feel compelled to read on.
Both of your books have been bestsellers, which is a huge accomplishment. What do you think is the most important aspect of crafting a story that so effectively catches reader’s minds, hearts, and imaginations?
First, I know the characters thoroughly, strive for a good arc, a terrific premise, and have a profound need to write. Striving for where I want characters to go is a journey. Persistence when bogged down. Critiques by qualified people are vital. I’ve been in writer’s groups, attended workshops, and asked many questions. I watch people’s actions and listen to conversations, trying to identify subtexts. I dig into my own psyche and try to be honest.
I always wanted to write, but I was waylaid by another desire — sculpture. At Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, In art, you must learn perspective, proportion, distance, dimension, and many other techniques. We drew the body layer by layer — bones, muscles, tendons, and the outer skin. These lessons transferred well when I moved on to writing.
You can grab a copy of ‘The Cha Cha Babes Dance with the Devil’ on Amazon.
Published By: Aize Perez
